Faculty Position in Agricultural Science - Animal Science

Job Details

The School of Science and Mathematics at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Agricultural Science to begin August 2026.

This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman’s campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University’s core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed. The position is ideal for those who wish to work with high-ability undergraduates in an experiential learning focused, liberal arts environment.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will teach 12 contact hours per semester in a variety of introductory and upper-level Animal Science courses and engage undergraduates in hands-on experiences with cattle and other livestock at the University Farm. Other duties include developing a research and scholarship program involving undergraduates; advising majors and pre-veterinary students; and participating in service or other tasks as appropriate. The individual should be willing to collaborate with faculty to employ regenerative agricultural practices at the farm following established health and safety guidelines. Broad, multi-species interest is preferred, with opportunities to develop electives based on academic expertise, including animal reproduction & physiology, nutrition, production management, or livestock markets and products. The individual will directly assist in management of the farm’s cattle herd and have an opportunity to work with the horse herd or add other livestock (small ruminants, swine, poultry) to the farm for teaching purposes.

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Animal Science or related field, or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.). All-but-dissertation (ABD) candidates will be considered, but a Ph.D. must be completed by the start date. Candidates should display a desire to engage with undergraduates in a liberal arts setting (in both classroom and farm environments), strong organizational skills, and expertise with the handling and care of cattle and other livestock.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates that conduct field research involving regenerative or sustainable agricultural practices would be desirable, as would candidates with experience in animal nutrition or husbandry, agribusiness, or multi-species management. Candidates displaying interest in interdisciplinary teaching would also be competitive.

Applicants will be evaluated on

• academic qualifications;
• support for the liberal arts and sciences mission of the University;
• teaching philosophy and experience;
• compatibility of planned research programs involving undergraduates;
• demonstrated potential for success in teaching agricultural science courses;
• evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills;
• evidence of ability to confidently manage cattle following established safety guidelines;
• and fit with the department’s needs.

Benefits

Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses. Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year. More details: https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically at https://apply.interfolio.com/182594. Complete applications must include: a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above; a current curriculum vitae; a statement of teaching philosophy that reflects on our liberal arts and sciences mission; a sustainable research/scholarship plan that includes a mentorship philosophy for engaging undergraduate students in your scholarly pursuits; contact information for at least three references; and official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official graduate transcripts are required at the time of hire).

Review of applications will begin June 18, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.